‘A woman has died because Galway University Hospital refused to perform an abortion needed to prevent serious risk to her life,’ she said.

‘This is a situation we were told would never arise. An unviable foetus – the woman was having a miscarriage – was given priority over the woman’s life, who unfortunately and predictably developed septicaemia and died.’

More abortion protests are planned to take place in Dublin later today (Picture: Niall Carson/PA)

A spokesman for the hospital said: ‘Firstly, the Galway Roscommon University Hospitals Group wishes to extend its sympathy to the husband, family and friends of Ms Halappanavar

‘It is standard practice to review unexpected deaths in line with the HSE’s national incident management policy.

‘The family of the deceased is consulted on the terms of reference, interviewed by the review team and given a copy of the final report.’